* You are affiliated with a company that sets the technical bar in the Java and open source worlds.
* You are surrounded by some of the most intelligent and capable people in the industry.
* People outside the company seek out you and really respect your opinions.
* You're on the leading edge of the Java ecosystem.
Cons
* There can be a lot of travel unless you're working for a product team.
* Consultants can feel isolated sometimes; conferences help.